Two more voices join the choir
In the dimly lit Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, voices swell in harmony, “But when I survey that wondrous cross …” The crescendo is noticeable, but not quite enough. Choir director Sam Korth cuts off the singers.
“You can still give more,” he tells them as they prepare the hymn for Good Friday service in Belle Plaine.
Like many other churches, Trinity has found it challenging to fill its choir loft, despite the important message of the hymns.
“I think choir is a great way of expressing God’s Word. It gives us the opportunity to share the Gospel,” Sam said.
He has been directing the choir for two years and was delighted to have two voices join in the fall —Christina Kassulke and Heather Tracy. The women live at Hope Residence, just down the block from Trinity. At Hope, residents with disabilities receive support and services to live as independently as possible. The focus is on increasing their self-sufficiency, helping them be active members of the community and develop meaningful friendships
Christina moved to Hope in July last year, and Heather arrived in October. They noticed choir practice listed in a fall church bulletin and wanted to join. Christina was a soprano in choir in high school, and enjoys hitting the high notes. And Heather?
“I love to sing. I really love to sing,” she said.
Hope Residence Activities Assistant Char Seefeldt helps coordinate schedules and transportation so Christina and Heather can attend weekly choir practice. Both are busy, participating in Special Olympics and working, among other things. Christina works at Country Inn & Suites in Chaska and is interested in sports. Heather is employed at Coborn’s in Belle Plaine and spends some of her free time reading
Having Heather and Christina has been a wonderful addition to Trinity’s choir, Sam said, and they are a great example to others, sharing God’s gift of music. The choir sang at Christmas and Palm Sunday and will perform for services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The last practice went well, Christina thought, but there are always a few nerves: “I hope we get the notes right.”
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